Apparatus and method for training football quarterbacks

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate to a football training apparatus and method for strengthening and training a user. The apparatus includes an arm restraining member securable to a chest portion and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm of the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to football training apparatus. More specifically it relates to an apparatus and method for strengthening, training and improving the balance of a quarterback.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It should be appreciated that the balance and throwing motion for throwing a football are different from that required used in playing other sports, such as baseball. One method for improving a player's balance and throwing motion is by restricting the player's non-throwing arm.

The most popular way to restrict the player's non-throwing arm includes having the player hold an item using the player's non-throwing arm down. This method includes taking a rolled up towel or sock and using the player's non-throwing arm to pin the rolled up towel or sock against their chest when passing.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for strengthening, training and improving the balance of a user.

These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the specification and the accompanying drawing wherein:

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for strengthening, training and improving the balance of a user.

One embodiment relates a football training apparatus for strengthening and training a user. The apparatus includes an arm restraining member securable to a chest portion and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm of the user.

Another embodiment relates to a sport training apparatus for strengthening and training a user. The apparatus includes a chest portion positioned on the user's chest; an arm portion for securing to the user's non-throwing arm and restricting movement of the user's non-throwing arm; and at least two braces, one brace extending over each of the user's shoulders and connected to the chest portion at anchor points on the chest portion.

Still another embodiment relates to a method of training at least one arm of a user. The method includes restraining a non-throwing arm of the user using a restraining member secured to the user's chest portion and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm of the user; and training the throwing arm of the user.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a football training apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a football training apparatus in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a football training apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged view of the football training apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged view of the connecting device of FIG. 3-4; and

FIG. 6 depicts a user using the football training apparatus of FIG. 3 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for strengthening, training and improving the balance of a user. FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the football training apparatus, generally designated 10, for strengthening and training the user 12, where the user 12 has a chest portion 16, a throwing arm 18 and a non-throwing arm 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes at least one arm restraining member 14 securable to the chest portion 16 and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm 20 of the user 12.

In one embodiment the restraining member 14 includes a flexible band made of a material selected from the group comprising elastic gauze, elastic material, cotton, wool, nylon, neoprene and the like.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a bungee support member 24 connected to a bungee anchor point 22 on the chest portion 14. In at least one embodiment, the bungee support member 27 receives a hand of the individual's non-throwing arm 20, further restricting movement of the individual's non-throwing arm 20.

Still another embodiment relates to a method of training at least one arm of user 12 using the device of FIG. 1. The method includes restraining a non-throwing arm 20 of the user 12 using a restraining member 14 secured to the user's chest portion 16 and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm 20 of the user 12, restricting movement of the user's non-throwing arm 20. The method includes training the throwing arm 18 of the user 12, by throwing a football using the throwing arm 18 while the non-throwing arm is restrained for example.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of the football training apparatus, generally designated 110, for strengthening and training the user 12, where the user 12 has a chest portion 16, a throwing arm 18 and a non-throwing arm 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 110 includes at least one arm restraining member 114 securable to the chest portion 16 and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm 20 of the user 12.

FIG. 2 depicts the restraining member 114 includes a chest portion 122 for securing to the user's chest 16 and an arm portion 124 for securing to the user's non-throwing arm 20. In one embodiment the arm restraining member 114 is removably, positionably secured to one of a first end 130 and a second end 132 of the chest portion 116 using a connecting device (not shown). The arm restraining member 114 may be moved from first end 130 to second end 132 depending if the user is left or right handed. The connecting device is selected from the group comprising hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and buttons. In one embodiment, the chest portion 122 and the arm portion 124 includes a flexible band made of a material selected from the group including elastic gauze, elastic material, cotton, wool, nylon, neoprene and the like. It should be appreciated that the chest portion 122 and arm portion 124 may be made of the same or different material.

In at least one embodiment, the chest portion 122 includes at least one fastener 128 to connect the chest portion 122 about the user's chest 16. In one embodiment the at least one fastener 128 is selected from the group comprising hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, zippers, ties, straps and the like.

Embodiments further include at least one brace 126 extending over the user's shoulder and/or or neck and connected to the chest portion 122 at one anchor point on the chest portion 122. In one embodiment the at least one brace 126 extends over the user's neck and connects to the chest portion 122 at one or two anchor points on the front surface of the chest portion 112. In another embodiment the at least one brace 126 extends over the user's shoulder and connects to the chest portion 122 at two anchor points on the front surface and back surface of the chest portion 112. In still another embodiment two braces 126 extend over both the user's shoulders and each of the braces 126 connect to the chest portion 122 at two anchor points on the chest portion 122, one of the two anchor points positioned on a front portion of the chest portion 122 and the other one of the two anchor points on a rear portion of the chest portion.

FIG. 2 further illustrates a bungee support member 127 connected to a bungee anchor point 122 on the chest portion 122. In at least one embodiment, the bungee support member 127 may receive a hand of the user's non-throwing arm 20, further restricting movement of the user's non-throwing arm 20.

Still another embodiment relates to a method of training at least one arm of user 12. The method includes securing a chest portion 122 to the user's chest 16 and securing an arm portion 124 to the user's non-throwing arm 20. In one embodiment the method includes positioning a hand of the user's non-throwing arm 20 in the bungee support member 124.

Finally, the method includes training the throwing arm 18 of the user 12, by throwing a football using the throwing arm 18 while the non-throwing arm is restrained for example.

FIGS. 3-4 depict another embodiment of the football training apparatus, generally designated 210, for strengthening and training the user 12, where the user 12 has a chest portion 16, a throwing arm 18 and a non-throwing arm 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 210 includes at least a restraining member securable to the chest portion 16 and to a another to the bicep region of a non-throwing arm 20 of the user 12.

FIGS. 3-4 depict the restraining member 214 includes a chest portion 222 for securing to the user's chest 16 and an arm portion 224 for securing to the user's non-throwing arm 20. In one embodiment the arm restraining portion 224 is removably, positionably secured to one of a first end 230 and a second end 232 of the chest portion 222 using a connecting device 240 (best viewed in FIG. 5). The arm restraining member 224 may be moved from first end 230 to second end 232 depending if the user is left or right handed. In one embodiment, the chest portion 222 and the arm portion 224 includes a flexible band made of a material selected from the group including elastic gauze, elastic material, cotton, wool, nylon, neoprene and the like. It should be appreciated that the chest portion 222 and arm portion 224 may be made of the same or different material.

As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting device 240 includes at least one loop 242 (a Velcro loop for example) positioned on the chest portion 222, where the loop 242 is moveable between first end 230 and second end 232 or any point in between. In one embodiment, the arm restraining portion 224 includes a Velcro end 244 that is adapted to pass through the loop 242 and back over the loop 242 and removably fastened to the reciprocal Velcro portion on the arm restraining portion 224.

Embodiments further include at least one brace 226 extending over the user's shoulder and/or or neck and connected to the chest portion 222 at one anchor point on the chest portion 222. In one embodiment the at least one brace 226 extends over the user's neck and connects to the chest portion 222 at one or two anchor points on the front surface of the chest portion 212. In another embodiment the at least one brace 226 extends over the user's shoulder and connects to the chest portion 222 at two anchor points on the front surface and back surface of the chest portion 212. In still another embodiment two braces 226 extend over both the user's shoulders and each of the braces 226 connect to the chest portion 222 at two anchor points on the chest portion 222, one of the two anchor points positioned on a front portion of the chest portion 222 and the other one of the two anchor points on a rear portion of the chest portion.

FIG. 3-4 further illustrates a bungee support member 227 connected to a bungee anchor point on the chest portion 222. In at least one embodiment, the bungee support member 227 may receive a hand of the user's non-throwing arm 20, further restricting movement of the user's non-throwing arm 20.

Still another embodiment relates to a method of training at least one arm of user 12 best seen in FIG. 6. The method includes securing a chest portion 222 to the user's chest 16 and securing an arm portion 224 to the user's non-throwing arm 20. In one embodiment the method includes positioning a hand of the user's non-throwing arm 20 in the bungee support member 227. Finally, the method includes training the throwing arm 18 of the user 12, by throwing a football using the throwing arm 18 while the non-throwing arm is restrained for example.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A football training apparatus for strengthening and training a user, comprising: an arm restraining member securable to a chest portion and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm of the user.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the restraining member comprises a flexible band.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the restraining member comprises a chest portion for securing to the user's chest and an arm portion for securing to the user's non-throwing arm.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the chest portion comprises a strap portion including at least one fastener to connect the strap portion about the user's chest and wherein the arm portion comprises a strap portion including at least one fastener to secure the strap portion about the user's non-throwing arm.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the at least one fastener is selected from the group comprising hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, zippers, ties and straps.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising at least one brace extending over the user's shoulder and connected to the chest portion at one anchor point on the chest portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising at least one brace extending over the user's shoulder and connected to the chest portion at two anchor points on the chest portion, one of the two anchor points positioned on a front portion of the chest portion and the other one of the two anchor points on a rear portion of the chest portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a bungee support member connected to a bungee anchor point on the arm restraining member, whereby the bungee support member receives a hand of the individual's non-throwing arm, restricting movement of the individual's non-throwing arm.
 9. A sport training apparatus for strengthening and training an user, comprising: a chest portion positioned on the user's chest; an arm portion for securing to the user's non-throwing arm and restricting movement of the user's non-throwing arm; and at least two braces, one brace extending over each of the user's shoulders and connected to the chest portion at anchor points on the chest portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the arm portion is removably, positionably secured to one of a first end and a second end of the chest portion using a connecting device selected from the group comprising hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and buttons.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the connecting device is selected from the group comprising hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and buttons.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising two anchor points on a front portion of the chest portion and two anchor points on a rear portion of the chest portion, whereby one brace is connected to a pair of anchor points and another brace is connected to another pair of anchor points.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each pair of anchor points has one anchor point on the front portion of the chest portion and one anchor point on the rear portion of the chest portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising at least one of the chest portion and the arm portion including at least one fastener.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the at least one fastener is selected from the group comprising hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, zippers, ties and straps.
 16. A method of training at least one arm of a user, comprising: restraining a non-throwing arm of the user using a restraining member secured to the user's chest portion and to a bicep region of a non-throwing arm of the user; and training the throwing arm of the user.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein restraining a non-throwing arm of the user comprises positioning a flexible band around the user's chest and non-throwing arm.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein restraining a non-throwing arm of the user comprises securing a chest portion to the user's chest and securing an arm portion to the user's non-throwing arm.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising positioning a hand of the user's non-throwing arm in a bungee cord connected to a bungee anchor point on the arm restraining member. 